DRAMA

• •  Techniques: Space (Levels), Body (posture, gestures, facial expressions), Voice (projection, pitch, accent, pace), Movement (Pace, heavy vs light (quality of movement), funny walks)
• Elements; Characters (White Face, Auguste, Character)
• Conventions (Freeze frame, clocking, mime, slapstick)
• Technologies: Costume (hat, makeup, nose, big shoes, baggy clothes, colourful
• Evidence = FOR EXAMPLE
• NEVER look at the bullet points
• Acting Style = Techniques (Techniques are the actors tools)
• Auguste (idiot/buffon) : The makeup base is pink, red or tan white exaggerated white outlining of the mouth and eyes.
• Auguste Characteristics: Dumber than whiteface, unsteady on his feet, unintentionally funny, has a hard time performing a task - much to the frustration of the whiteface.
• Auguste example: Three stooges, Bozo the clown
• White face - appearance: full white face, colourful clothing, big shoes, red nose, colourful or no hair.
• Whiteface characteristics: More intelligent than the others.
• Whiteface example - Marcel Marceau
• Convention: Mime - Clowns use their bodies to communicate and interact with objects that aren't there.
• Convention: Mime - Brings the audience back to child play, which is a relief of stress to the audience.
• Convention: Mime - for example, a person might use their body to interact with walls and ceilings of a box (which is not there) and create imaginary boundaries that do not break.
• History of clown costumes: 16th century Commedia Del'Arte clowns - baggy, clothes, bright colours, stylistic, grotesque masks.
• History of clown costumes: 18th century Philp Astley started the first circuit in London- clowns as they are influenced by Commdeia del'Arte
• Traditional whiteface makeup was believed to be influenced by Pierrot - A french clown with a bald head and flour whitened face appeared in the 17th century.
• Where and when did clowning come into being?


  The first record of clowning name was in 2400BC is in ancient Egypt - where court jesters were entertaining Pharaohs.
• How long has clowning been popular?


  Over 4000 yrs
• What happened the 1800’s to make clowning what it is today?

  The introduction of the circus by Phillip Astley in London
• How did this affect the performances? (circus)


  This meant that performance were more structures as they were consistently travelling around.
• What is the purpose of clowning?


  Escapism, Emotional connection, Entertainment
• Can this purpose be seen in performance?


  Yes - by the exaggerated human traits, the audience is able to reflect on their own emotional struggles and conflicts.
• Who is a typical audience of clowns?


  Commoners - this is due to the common theme of servant and master, which is very relatable to commoners who served masters in the past.
• Is clowning still popular today? Why?


  It is source of entertainment - it brings comedic relief and entertainment
• What are some of the recurring narrative ideas in clowning?


  Failure and resilience, role reversal and misunderstandings
• What comment does a clown make on society today?


  Emphasizing joy, challenging authority, and providing social commentary (on cultural, and political issues)
• Techniques are the actor's tools
• Elements are the characters/setting
• Conventions make the play interesting
• Technologies enhance the play